sh sorry, I dare say! Don't be hypocritical! Didn't I tell you to
keep away from those people? Don't stand there like a block of stone;
answer me!"

"Yes, sir; but I did not promise to do so. I am not hypocritical, father."

"You did not promise, indeed! What do I care for promises? It was your duty
to obey me."

"I don't think it was, father, when you refused to give me any reason for
avoiding Mrs. Aubrey or her family. They are unfortunate but honourable
people; and, being very poor and afflicted, I felt sorry for them. I can't
see how my going there occasionally harms you or me, or anybody else. I
know very well that you dislike them, but you never told me why, and I
cannot imagine any good reason for it. Father, if I love them why should
not I associate with them?"

"Because I say you shan't! you tormenting, headstrong little imp!"

"My father, that is no reason."

"Reason! I will put you where you will have no occasion for reasons. Oh! I
can match you, you perverse little wretch! I am going to send you to a
boarding-school, do you hear that? send you where you will have no Aubreys
to abet your obstinacy and disobedience, where that temper of yours can be
curbed. How will you relish getting up before day, kindling your own fire,
if you have any, making your own bed, and living on bread and water? I will
take you to New York, and keep you there till you are grown and learn
common sense. Now get out of my sight!"

With a stamp of rage he pointed to the door. Hitherto she had stood quite
still, but now an expression of anguish passed swiftly over her face, and
she put out her hands appealingly--

"Father! my father! don't send me away. Please let me stay at home."

"Not if I live long enough to take you. Just as certainly as the sun shines
in heaven you will go as soon as your clothes can be made. Your aunt will
have you ready in a week. Don't open your mouth to me! I don't want to hear
another word from you. Take yourself off."

She picked up her slate and book, and left the room.

The week which succeeded was wretched to the girl, for her father's
_surveillance_ prevented her from visiting the cottage, even to say adieu
to its inmates; and no alternative presented itself but to leave for them
(in the hands of Nellie, her devoted nurse) a note containing a few parting
words and assurances of unfading friendship and remembrance. The day of
departure dawned rainy, gloomy, and the wind sobbed and wailed down t